Summer concerts make lifelong memories
Summer is a big season for live music. Whether its local bands booking small venues and events or superstars who love to tour and play outdoor stadiums, concerts and live music are at their peak.
Pennsylvania has some great venues for larger artists to perform, so there is a good chance your favorite artist will make their way to Pennsylvania for a show.
Since the sun began to shine and the weather started to get warmer, famous artists started to tour around the country, or even around the world.
Since it is already the middle of July, there have been a few huge concerts to already pass us by, such as Post Malone and Jelly Roll, who performed at Citizens Bank Park on May 24.
Post Malone has been a huge artist for many years, with over 67 Million monthly listeners on Spotify and hit songs such as “Sunflower” which featured in the movie “Spider-man Into The Spiderverse” in 2022, and “Circles” with over two billion streams.
While touring with one of the hottest new artists, Jelly Roll, who has hit songs such as “Save Me”, the duo made a splash this summer.
Another concert that has passed us by was the duo that is Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Their performance in Hershey Park Stadium was a hit.
Kendrick Lamar, who first gained popularity in 2012 with his hit record “good kid m.A.A.d. City,” has had collaborations with superstars Taylor Swift, Drake, Dr. Dre, Beyonce, The Weeknd, and so many more, including SZA.
Kendrick also gained a lot of traction in 2024 when he and Drake had an online feud, and when he performed at the halftime show of Superbowl 59.
SZA gained popularity in 2017 when she released her first studio album “CTRL” with hit songs “Love Galore (featuring Travis Scott),” “The Weekend,” and ‘Broken Clocks.”
Kendrick and SZA began their collabs in 2017 when Kendrick starred in SZA’s hit song “Doves in the Wind” and continued until their most recent collabs “luther” and “gloria,” released in 2024.
Other concerts that have unfortunately already passed us by include: Metallica at Lincoln Financial Field, Chirs Brown with Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller at Lincoln Financial Field, Luke Bryan who played at Hershey Park Stadium, AC/DC at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Sabrina Carpenter at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and many more.
Although some of the biggest artists have already come and gone from Pennsylvania, there are many more upcoming concerts that may catch your attention.
One of the next concerts in the lineup is Brandon Lake with Phil Wickman, two of the most popular Christian musicians, with hit songs “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickman, and “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “That’s Who I Praise” and “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake.
The two will be stopping at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on July 17, with a start time at 7 p.m., and again on Friday, July 18, at Hershey Park Stadium.
If you are looking for something a little more hardcore, the hit heavy metal band “Ghost” will be stopping at the PPG Paints Arena as well on Friday, July 18, with a start time at 8 p.m. The band is likely to feature hit songs such as “Square Hammer” and “Circle.”
If you are looking for a little bit of country roots, Riley Green will be performing at the York fair on July 20 with a start time at 8 p.m. Green has gained popularity from hit songs such as “I wish Grandpas Never Died” and “Worst Way.”
For a little bit of a throwback, grab some tickets to Shania Twain and Andy Grammer, who will perform at Hershey Park Stadium on Saturday, July 26, with a start time at 7:30 p.m.
Each artist brings their own hits to the stage, such as “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” and “Any Man Of Mine.” Grammar offers hit songs “Honey, I’m Good” and “Keep Your Head Up.”
For a little bit of pop/rap/ R&B, check out The Weeknd and Playboy Carti at Lincoln Financial Field on July 30, with a start time at 7 p.m.
Both artists offer a unique sound. The Weeknd dazzles with hits like “Cry For Me,” “Heartless,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Blinding Lights,” and many more. Playboy Carti brings the beats with hits such as “Magnolia,” “Sky,” and “Miss The Rage,” and the duo’s hit collaboration “Timeless.”
For a sweet country sound, check out Megan Moroney at Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza on July 31, with a start time at 7:15 p.m. Moroney’s hits such as “Am I Okay?” “Tennessee Orange,” and “I’m Not Pretty,” ensure this concert to be a good time.
For the littles, the Kidz Bop Kids will be in Burgettstown at The Pavilion at Star Lake on July 31, with a start time at 6 p.m. This concert is the perfect option for the family, as the Kidz Bop Kids perform the most recent hits, in a kid friendly way for all to enjoy.
For another throwback, Big Time Rush will be making an appearance at Hershey Park Stadium on Aug.1 with a start time at 7 p.m., where they can be expected to play their top hits, including “Boyfriend,” “Worldwide,” and “Elevate.”
For some more country hits, Darius Rucker will be in Bethlehem at the Wind Creek Event Center on Aug. 3 with a start time at 7 p.m. Rucker has multiple country music staples, such as “Wagon Wheel,” “Never Been Over,” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.”
The month of August and the beginning of September is filled with concert dates, ensuring that everyone can experience a concert with an artist they enjoy.
Some of the other musicians touring across the state include: The Jonas Brothers, Jessie Murph, The Goo Goo Dolls, Benson Boone, Old Dominion, Haim, Tate McRae with Zara Larson, and Ethel Cain.
Although concerts are not the cheapest way to have some summer fun, the memories made along the way tend to be priceless.
From going to concerts with friends, to going with your whole family, the mini road trip, the excitement, the videos, the singing, and atmosphere, and the overall joy of a concert is a memory you will be able to keep for a lifetime, which might just justify ticket prices.
For more details on a concert, or to see if your favorite artist is touring in the area any time soon, a quick google search to a trusted ticket site, such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek, will provide you with all the information you may be needing.
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Mina Philips is a summer intern at The Sentinel.